Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Collection: Carnival Rock 'n' Roll USA
 | Carnival Rock 'n' Roll USA contains five instros, including very early material from The Teen-Beats, who became The Nevegans. A tasteful collection of rare sides. |
Picks: Andy Anderson and the Dawnbeats - Deep In The Heart Of Texas, Lenny and the Thundertones - Thunder Express, The Teen-Beats Featuring Don Rivers And The Califfs - Califf Boogie
Track by Track Review
Andy Anderson and the Dawnbeats - Deep In The Heart Of Texas Rock'n'Roll (Instrumental)
This is a romping version of Don Swander's classic anthem. The guitar rocks, and the piano is way too cool. There's one verse sung, but this version is mostly instrumental, and all too cool.
Wayne Fuckler and the Tridents - Green Front Boogie Rock'n'Roll (Instrumental)
This is a gritty b-side intro, mostly just a chord progression. The drums are pumping way in the background. "Green Front Boogie" is a total country rock jam, probably from the late fifties.
Lenny and the Thundertones - Thunder Express Surf (Instrumental)
"Thunder Express" is a low-E grumbler hinting of the surf singles to come in the next two years. This reminds me of Gene Gray and his Stingrays in some ways, just a little less edgy and energy laden. A great and ultimately surfable riff drives "Thunder Express." Rhythm dominated low watt rock instros from the day when instros were structured like backtracks waiting for a vocal melody line. There are some nice guitar licks in the bridge, but mostly it's a riff rocker.
The Teen-Beats Featuring Don Rivers And The Califfs - Califf Boogie Rock (Instrumental)
"Califf Boogie" is a slightly up-tempo vintage rocker with a grinding frantic groove. Similar in aural quality, but not at all the same melody or progression as part one. A "Honey Don't" intro to part two is guttier but no more interesting than part one. This is a great rockabilly boogie, while also being as simple as they come. It's actually quite infectious. Rhythmic and energetic, it lacks only from a lead guitar not present enough. Damn cool track.
Northwest Rock (Instrumental)
A fast Link Wray-like number, in his less interesting fifties progression style. The track is overdubbed with echoed handclaps. Originally issued in 1959.